[nagdu] taking guide dogs to concerts and other public events

Sat Feb 9 11:01:17 UTC 2013

Hi, All,

Funny story--many years ago when I had my first guide dog, Bailey, a mellow
chocolate Lab, my family was in Florida taking in the theme park scene.  I
think we were at Universal Studios, and my son wanted to go see the
Terminator show.  I didn't want to take my dog to that show because as calm
and laid back as he was, I figured going to that show would be looking for
trouble as there was bound to be lots of noise and special effects.
Luckily, my daughter wasn't interested in the Terminator either, and so we
got in line nearby at the door with the sign on it saying it was for the
demonstration of how they make up actors for various effects, injuries and
the like.  So we wended our ways through the lines, my son and husband in
one line and my daughter and I in ours.  But to our dismay, both lines
brought us to the same auditorium and so we all ended up in the Terminator
show.  There was plenty of room on the floor in front of our seats for the
dog, and Bailey quickly settled himself for a nap.  And asleep is just how
he stayed, through all the motorcycle chases, explosions, gunfire, fake
smoke, and even when a simulated explosion made all the seats in the theater
bump up and down.  Bailey was never one to let a little thing like a war
going on around him keep him from getting his beauty rest.  So, yes, what
you take your dog to does really depend on your knowledge of the individual
dog, or sometimes on pure chance!

Best,
Ann

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Hingson
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2013 5:12 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] taking guide dogs to concerts and other public events

I second Marion's comments.  Seats can be an issue depending on dog size.
For example, I have taken my guides to concerts with tight seating
arrangements such as those described by Marion.  I had no problem, but my
dogs are pretty small.

Also, extremely loud concerts may or may not be a problem for your dog.  I
have seen quite loud events where my dog actually slept.  I have had other
guides that would have freaked out if I had taken them to the same event.
This is all part of getting to know your guide dog.

There is one item I would point out.  The more you hesitate and fear the
more your guide dog will worry.  These guide dogs are incredibly empathetic
which I think is a good thing.  The more you worry, the more they will
worry.  I personally believe many fear reactions in dogs originate in our
own fears.  Common sense is important.  even if you take a dog to a concert
and you find that the decision was the wrong one don't fret about it – chalk
it up as a learning experience, be really supportive and confident around
your guide dog and you will find that the team will get over any temporary
trauma you experienced.

There is no single right nor wrong answer here.  Only you can know best.
The more you work with a guide dog the more you will learn about what
decisions are the right ones for the both of you. 

Best,

Michael Hingson

The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
"Speaking with Vision"
Michael Hingson, President
(415) 827-4084
info at michaelhingson.com
To order Michael Hingson's new book, Thunder Dog, and check on Michael
Hingson's speaking availability for your next event please visit:
www.michaelhingson.com

To purchase your own portrait of Roselle painted by the world's foremost
animal artist, Ron Burns, please visit http://www.ronburns.com/roselle

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marion Gwizdala
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2013 03:47 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [nagdu help

The question of whether or not to bring your guide dog to a concert depends
upon several factors. My primary consideration is the type of seating that
will be available. I went to a james Taylor concert at the Ice Palace in
Tampa, Florida (now the Tampa Bay Times Forum) and took my guide dog. I knew
my seating was in an area where there were folding chairs and lots of space.

On the other hand, I went to an Eric Clapton concert in the same venue and
didn't take my dog. I knew the seating was fixed and there was very little
room for the dog. Whether or not to take your guide dog is a personal
decision only you can make after considering all the factors. Now that the
concert has come and gone, what did you decide?

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala

----- Original Message -----From: "Larry D. Keeler" <lkeeler at comcast.net>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 8:43 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] [nagdu help

> Depends on what kind of concert and how your dog reacts!  I'd take mine!
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Becky Sabo" <beckyasabo at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2013 8:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] [nagdu help
>
>
>> Hi all
>> I am going to a concert tonight in Colorado. It the first one since I 
>> got

>> my dog. Should or I should not bring her tonight?
>> Becky Sabo
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Feb 7, 2013, at 4:06 PM, Stephanie Mitchell 
>> <naturelovingmom at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> As a soon to be dog user, this discussion is really interesting.  I 
>> was told that when I first get my dog, I cant let it do this, 
>> otherwise it will not learn to obey me...  How long before you can do 
>> this sort of thing with the dog?
>> Steph
>>
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